Launched in 2009 by the Government of India (GoI), Aadhaar is increasingly becoming inevitable in every walk of life. While it has become mandatory to link your Aadhaar card with your PAN Card, PDS card, bank account, mobile connections etc., many city residents are finding it quite a task to get the Aadhaar card made, primarily due to ambiguities in information available online.

Here is a quick FAQ that can help you get started without further delay.

Q. Where can I get my Aadhaar card made in Chennai?

First things first: it must be noted that application for Aadhaar Card and corrections can be done only in Permanent Enrolment Centres (PEC) and not in e-Seva Centres.

PECs in Chennai are located in the following areas:

1. Adyar
2. Ayanavaram
3. Fort St. George
4. Guindy Industrial Estate
5. Kalaignar Karunanidhi Nagar
6. Kodambakkam
7. Nandanam
8. Nungambakkam
9. Park Town
10. Perambur
11. Raja Annamalaipuram
12. Royapettah
13. Saidapet
14. Shenoy Nagar
15. Tondiarpet
16. Triplicane
17. TTTI Taramani
18. Velacherry
19. Washermanpet

The addresses and contact numbers of the centres in these areas can be checked here. Each zonal office has a PEC.

Apart from the above mentioned PECs, citizens can also enrol in the special camps conducted in their locality.

However, children below the age of five can get their cards only in the special camps organised by the local body authorities, and not at any centre.

Q. What Aadhaar-related facilities do the e-Seva Centres provide?

Once you have already applied, you can track the details of your Aadhaar Card offline by contacting your nearest e-Seva centre with the acknowledgement which will be given after enrolment.

In addition, you can get your card laminated at the centre.

Q. What documents do you need to get the Aadhaar card made?

Essentially, you would require two types of documentary proof:

1.       Proof of Identity (PoI)
2.       Proof of Address (PoA)

Original documents for both are mandatory.

Following are the documents required for application or correction; however if you do not have any of the listed documents, you can choose any one from the supported documents listed here, which is recognized by the Government of India for Aadhaar application.

 For Proof of Identity

1.       Passport
2.       PAN Card
3.       Ration/ PDS Photo Card
4.       Voter ID
5.       Driving License

For Proof of Address

1.       Bank Pass Book (Front page)
2.       PDS Card (Ration Card)
3.       Driving License
4.       Passport 

Q. What is the procedure for application?

1.       Carry the necessary documents to your nearest PEC
2.       Fill up the Aadhaar Application Form and get the token
3.       Two types of data get documented during the process of enrolment: demographic data and biometric data

Demographic data:

•         Name
•         Gender
•         Date of Birth
•         Address
•         Mobile number
•         E-mail address

Biometric data:

•         10 Fingerprints
•         Both Iris                   
•         Photograph

Once all the data is documented, you will be given an acknowledgement receipt with which you can track the status in any e-Seva centres located near your home. You can also track your status online here.

Once you get your Aadhaar Card, you can get it laminated in any e-Seva centre.

Q. What are the charges applicable in government-authorised centres?

1.       Aadhaar application: Free
2.       Change of name, address, date of birth and mobile number: Rs 25
3.       Photograph, fingerprints and iris updation: Rs 25
4.       Lamination (only done in e-Seva centres): Rs 25

Q. Which of the UID-related services can be availed online?

Change of name, DoB, address and inclusion of guardian/ parent/spouse name as a part of your address can be done online. The link for this is https://ssup.uidai.gov.in/web/guest/update

If you are not currently living at the permanent address given, but elsewhere in India, you can update that online.

Q. How long would it take to get an Aadhaar card?

A new Aadhaar card will be received in 45 days from the day of application. Aadhaar Card with correction usually takes 25 days for delivery

You can also download your e-Aadhaar at https://eaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/#/

For further queries, you can dial the official Aadhaar number: 1947 or refer to the Aadhaar Website: https://uidai.gov.in/